Traveling

Travelling in within Japan doesn't require anything special. The same rules that apply to you when you're at home or work also apply when you travel. This means that you do not need to bring your passport, but you will still need to bring your Residency Card.

=Leaving the Country=

Most JETs, at some point during their stay in Japan, will want to take a break to either go back home and visit family, or explore some of Japan's neighboring countries. Either way, if you plan on leaving the country, there are two things you have to make sure you do.

Japanese Visa
The old re-entry permit system has been abolished as of Monday July 9th, 2012. You will still need to bring your residency card. For older JETs who arrived before July 9th 2012, your residency card may actually be your Japanese Visa (you'll know if it is).

Notify Your School/BOE
Most Contracting Organizations require very specific itineraries when you go abroad. Usually they will ask for your flight-schedule, where you will be staying each night, and contact information. Casually mentioning it to a few English teachers doesn't count; it is your responsibility to make sure your vice principal, BOE go-between, or whoever is "officially" responsible for you, has been notified in writing. You might find it strange, but understand that this is very standard over here (yes, your Japanese coworkers have to do it too).

Get your Vaccinations
Please ensure you check the travel advisories via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website to your chosen destinations and get immunized. See Vaccinations.

=Travel Agents=

Tips

 * Plan early. The most popular times to travel fill-up very quickly. Everyone goes on holiday at the same time in Japan (e.g. Golden Week, New Years, etc.)
 * Be flexible. The further your departure date is from a public holiday, the cheaper.
 * Do some research. Not all travel agents book for every airline.
 * Don't double book. It doesn’t help your chances, and it only angers your travel agents. If you have access to the Internet, try shopping around by e-mailing various agents with your destination, preferred airline and departure dates. They will usually get back to you in a few days. You can then make a booking with the agent who offers you the cheapest ticket. E-mail addresses can be found in the Flea Market, Kansai Time Out or Kansai Scene.
 * Pay in cash. Japan is a cash economy. Credit cards are seldom accepted, and often incur a 5% surcharge. With some travel agents you can arrange to pay via bank transfer.
 * Ask for a discount. Some travel agents give JETs a discount.

H.I.S. No. 1 Travel - Osaka Branch
Link

Phone: 06-6363-4489 Fax: 06-6363-4721 2F Sonezaki Higashi Bldg. 2-15-24 Sonezaki, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu 大阪府大阪市北区曽根崎2丁目15-24 曽根崎ビル2階